What’s been your best read this year?

[HighburyLass]

Just one book (if you can!) that has stood out for you this year?

For me, it’s James by Percival Everett. Was given it as a present, I wouldn’t have chosen it. But my goodness what a great read. I was unsure as I hadn’t read Huckleberry Finn but it really didn’t matter (and now maybe I will!)

What have been your reading highlights?

For everyone that enjoyed Raising Hare, I would recommend Corvus: A Life With Birds by Esther Woolfson:

One spring, many years ago, Esther Woolfson's daughter rescued a fledgling rook. That rook, named Chicken, quickly established herself as part of the family, and other birds, including an irascible cockatiel and a depressive parrot, soon followed. But it was the corvids - members of the crow family - who amazed Woolfson with their personality and their capacity for affection. This classic blend of memoir and natural history combines the author's fascination with all things avian, from the mechanics of flight to the science of birdsong, with her funny, tender stories of life among the birds.

I've just completed my 50 book challenge and want to rate them but so hard. I think I have a top 5. All my mothers, Hamnet, Precipice, Small Pleasures and The Siege by Helen Dunmore. The last one was a tough read but amazing.

Restless Dolly Mauder by Kate Grenville

From Amazon;
Born into the sweat and drudgery of a New South Wales sheep farm at the end of the 19th century, Dolly Maunder is different to her siblings. She will not endure the small, servile existence of a wife. Dolly, bright, ambitious and stubborn, dreams of a different fate, of building something that she truly owns.

She will do whatever it takes to be the woman she deserves to be. Even with a husband and children, Dolly pushes the boundaries of what is 'proper' and what a wife and mother ought to do, as war spreads across Europe and the rules are forever changed. But every life has its limits. What happens when Dolly's wanderlust finally risks taking her too far?

Oh no! Another 50 titles on the Wishlist - thanks to everyone for some excellent recommendations.

Oh I would like to read this just voted for it to be our next book club selection.

All My Mothers by Joanna Glen. I loved this book, it's a coming of ages story of a woman in search of her birth mother but also about all the other mothers she encounters along the way.

Came to add this one. Just finished it and feel bereft. I loved We Begin at the End too.

Read this a couple of years ago and loved it

Fiction
We all want impossible things by Catherine Newman

Non Fiction
When you lose it by Roxy and Gay Longworth

The long game by, Rachel Reid.

Its not for all but wow.
Now on chapter 5.

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

You have to read heated rivalry first though or you won’t get the whole story

I have read it haha.
Im also watching the series.

Me too 😀

😆Just waiting for friday god its taking for ever.

The Naked Light by Bridget Collins.

Set in post WWI rural England. Lyrically written folk horror.

Felix & Willow Cat Tails of Mischief and Mayhem. M. L. Scott. £7.79 from Amazon. Paperback.

I follow them on Facebook and I die laughing!

They also do hardback and Kindle, various prices.

My non-fiction highlight was probably The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clarke. She tells the story of a heart transplant and the key families, medics, scientists, emergency services workers etc involved. It was very compassionate and positive.

And a very recent fiction highlight for me was The Artist by Lucy Steeds, a prize-winning debut novel. It's set in Provence in 1920 at the home of a famous but reclusive artist. Lots of food. Lots of observation. Romantic but not soppy. The main female character becomes increasingly empowered. Well plotted with a satisfying ending.)

I read both of these as audiobooks and will revisit them in print sometime. They were both very well narrated so I can recommend those as well.

Struggling to decide but I loved The River Is Waiting and Broken Country which have been mentioned too, and have foisted them on (different) people. Also enjoyed Corvus recommended above.

Such an ace thread !! I’ve added another ton of books to my list
standout read for me this year has been the Names by Florence Knapp, I listened to it on audible on my many dog walks with tears streaming down my face ! It’s really stayed with me
have just ordered Raising Hare and can’t wait

My top reads for the year:

The Fertile Earth, Ruthvika Rao
Whale, Cheon Myeong-Kwan
The House of Broken Bricks, Fiona Williams
Abigail, Magda Szabo
Brother of the More Famous Jack, Barbara Trapido
My Friends, Hisham Matar
The Island of Missing Trees, Elif Shafak
Brotherless Night, V. V. Ganeshananthan

Just getting back into reading and reading this thread has inspired some reads for 2026.

Favourites for me have been

Ghosts of Rome - Joseph O’Connor
Panchinko - Min Jin Lee (just finishing it but it’s been a wonderful read!)

Broken Country but I find many of the Reese Witherspoon book club books excellent.

I love Gillian McAllister and her books are very readable and well written.

Absolutely loved Raising Hare.

Fundamentally - Nussaibah Younis

British Asian academic Nadia takes a job with the UN in Iraq rehabilitating women caught up in Islamic fundamentalism.

There Nadia meets Sara, a hilarious, foul-mouthed East Londoner who was pulled into radicalism at just fifteen. The two are kindred spirits, and Nadia vows to get Sara home.

Really interesting but also a lot funnier than it sounds!